The Balkans

A tumultuous history and promising future make the Balkans one of the world's most exciting tourist destinations, attracting visitors with its growing urban centers, scenic natural parks, and quaint villages preserving an age-old way of life. Inhabited for thousands of years and home to numerous ethnic groups, the region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains, stretching from the eastern portion of Serbia all the way to Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline. Balkan vacations remain a satisfying alternative to tours of Europe's more expensive and overcrowded western regions. If you're looking for outdoor things to do in the Balkans, consider island-hopping in Croatia or hiking through the picture-postcard landscapes of Transylvania. The Balkans is in Europe.